Lower Macungie has received applications from 46 people interested in taking over as the township's next zoning officer.

Commissioner Doug Brown said his board's zoning and planning committee will begin interviewing candidates this week. He said the committee whittled the applicants down to six finalists who will get interviews.

The township is looking to replace Jim Lancsek, who is retiring. He's held the job for more than two decades. Lancsek is running for one of two Lower Macungie commissioner seats up for grabs in the November election. Township officials have said they plan to pay the new zoning officer between $45,000 and $55,000 per year.